Insecticidal delivery compositions and method for controlling a population of insects in an aquatic environment

ABSTRACT

Superabsorbent solid organic polymers which absorb over 100 times their weight in water are used in aquatic environment insect population control compositions. Methods for using the superabsorbent polymer insecticidal delivery agents for the control of aquatic environment insect populations, including mosquito population control methods, in an area needing aquatic environment insect population control treatment or in a dry area that is expected to need aquatic environment insect population control, are described.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/076,683 filed on Jun.15, 1993 now abandoned which application is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 07/783,224 filed Oct. 28, 1991 for INSECTICIDALDELIVERY COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A POPULATION OFINSECTS IN AN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT, now abandoned, which is a division ofapplication Ser. No. 07/560,286 filed Jul. 30, 1990, now abandoned whichis a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/211,895, filed Jun. 27,1988, now abandoned, which is a divisional application of Ser. No.07/032,532, filed Apr. 1, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,534.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an insecticidal delivery compositionmade from one or more solid superabsorbent polymers with or without oneor more liquid or solid insecticidal or noninsecticidal film-forming orsurface active agents, ovicides, larvicides, pupicides, insecticides,biological control agents, pathogens, parasites, microbial controlagents, insect growth regulators, conventional toxicants, pesticides, orother additives. The present invention also relates to a method ofapplying the insecticidal delivery composition alone or with one or moreactive insecticidal ingredients to an aquatic environment having anatural population of aquatic environment insects, for the purpose ofcontrolling that population of insects. The present invention alsorelates to the use of the insecticidal delivery composition for apretreatment application to an aquatic insect dry habitat in order tocontrol that population of aquatic insects that will breed when theinsect habitat becomes flooded by rain or tides. This invention furtherrelates to a facile method of combining two or more active insecticidalingredients, one of which is a film-forming agent, on a superabsorbentinsecticidal delivery composition for ground or aerial application. Thismanner of application makes possible the mixing of active insecticidalingredients that would otherwise be difficult or substantiallyimpossible to combine as a joint or multiple action formulations forspray application.

2. General Background

In particular, the present invention is directed against mosquitoes thatbreed in permanent or semipermanent, natural or artificial, aquatichabitats. Mosquitoes of major importance to be controlled by the presentinvention are species of the genera of Aedes, Anopheles, Culex,Culiseta, Coquillettidia, Deinocerites, Mansonia, Psorophors,Uranotaenia, and Wyeomyia. It is the main objective of this invention todirect the use of the insecticidal delivery composition for the controlof the immature aquatic stages of various species of mosquitoes beforethey become biting adults capable of being a nuisance and/ortransmitting a disease. This technique is cost-effective and reduces theenvironmental and health hazards that can result when insecticides areextensively broadcast over large areas for the control of the adultstages.

In addition to mosquitoes, other species of aquatic environment insectssuch as biting and nonbiting midges, black flies, moth flies, craneflies, horse flies, deer flies, hover or flower flies can constitute anuisance and often a health threat to humans and livestock. Thus, theirgrowth as a population, if unchecked, can be detrimental. The medicaland veterinary importance of various species of mosquitoes and otherimportant aquatic environment insects are discussed in detail by RobertF. Harwood and Maurice T. James in "Entomology In Human and AnimalHealth," Seventh Edition, 1979, MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc., NewYork, N.Y., which is incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, thescope of the present invention also relates to the use of theinsecticidal delivery composition with one or more active insecticidalingredients for controlling various species of aquatic environmentinsects other than mosquitoes.

Compositions and methods for controlling and killing insects are wellknown. A number of patents discuss the use of pesticides orinsecticides. U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,423 discloses a wettable powderpesticide concentrate that may be dispersed in water. This is describedas allowing the otherwise insoluble pesticide to become soluble inwater. U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,280 discloses controlled release pesticidesand their preparation. These pesticides are described as polymers with amacro-molecular backbone and pendant groups having pesticidal groupschemically linked thereto and prepared by reacting a pesticide having areplaceable hydrogen with a multifunctional isocyanate to form an adductwhich is then reacted with a polyol polymer substrate. U.S. Pat. Nos.4,400,391 and 4,401,456 disclose the use of alginate gel beads toencapsulate bioactive materials to provide for their controlled release.The patents describe beads being made to either float or sink and theymay contain insecticides. These beads are also described as acting ascarriers to place the bioactive material near the target species, forexample, a floating bead containing a herbicide releasing the herbicidein close proximity to floating aquatic weeds or the beads fallingthrough foliage to release herbicide into the soil. U.S. Pat. No.4,344,857 contains a disclosure that is similar to those immediatelyabove; however it involves encapsulation by xanthate derivatives anddoes not disclose the ability to be used in conjunction with an aqueousenvironment.

A number of patents describe the use of substances other than pesticidesto control the growth of insects. U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,627 discloses acontrolled release system for juvenile hormones in aqueous environments.This is described as being accomplished with alginate gel discscomprising alginate, a solubilizing agent, and a salt which yieldscations, and containing the juvenile hormone. U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,033discloses a method for the control of mosquitoes by the use offilm-forming materials. The method is disclosed as involving the use ofa film of organic material which reduces the surface tension of the bodyof water, and subsequently causes the mosquito larvae and pupae todrown.

At the present time, application of film-forming agents for mosquitocontrol is essentially limited to liquids. Easier and more efficientground and aerial delivery techniques are proposed by utilizing thefilm-forming insecticidal delivery composition as dusts, pellets,granules, or briquets that can float or sink. See, for example, Levy etal, "Control of Immature Mosquitoes With Liquid and Solid Formulationsof A Monomolecular Organic Surface Film", Proceedings and Papers of theFiftieth Annual Conference of the California Mosquito and Vector ControlAssociation, Inc., and the Thirty-Eighth Annual Meeting of the AmericanMosquito Control Association, Apr. 18-22, 1982, Sacramento, Calif., pp.106-108.

Technical film-forming agents applied as conventional liquid sprayscannot penetrate dense vegetation at low application rates. Therefore,most of the costly insecticidal film-forming agent impinges on thevegetation and does not reach the water where the mosquitoes arebreeding. In addition, the use of water as a diluent for application oflarge volumes for easier vegetative penetration without overdosingrequires high speed agitation or the use of water injection systems toadequately suspend the film-forming agent in the water for accurateapplication rates. Formulation of at least one film-forming agent withsuperabsorbent polymer(s) of the present invention into an agglomeratedsolid, e.g., a dense pellet or granule, allows penetration through thevegetative canopy for release of the film-forming agent into the targetaquatic habitat without the costly overdosing or mixing problems thatcan occur with liquid sprays. At present, liquid film-forming agentsused for mosquito control are applied to the water surface only. Sincethe film-forming agent floats because of its specific gravity, it can beadversely affected or removed from the target habitat by drying, runoff,drainage, or constant wind fetch. Superabsorbent-based film-formingagent compositions of the present invention can be formulated to sink orfloat. Sinking formulations as granules could be evenly distributed overthe habitat at the desired dosage and would slowly release film-formingagent to the water surface where it can control immature mosquitoeswithout being as severely affected by inhibiting pressures such asrunoff or wind fetch. In addition, formulations of superabsorbentpolymer(s) and a film-forming agent of the present invention can effecta mechanism for slow or controlled release, thereby extending the fieldlife or persistence of the surface film for a greater period of timethan would be expected with a liquid film-forming agent. Certainsuperabsorbent polymer formulations of the present invention areexpected to extend the field persistence of the liquid formulations andthereby assure that the number of costly insecticide treatments perhabitat will be significantly reduced.

None of the prior art methods or compositions for controlling insectpopulations are without disadvantages. One major problem associated withmany of the aforementioned compositions and methods of the prior art istheir inability to simultaneously apply immiscible, or otherwiseincompatible substances to the area to be treated. It has been foundthat while film-forming materials, when combined with diluents,ovicides, larvicides, pupicides, insecticides, pesticides, conventionaltoxicants, biological control agents, microbial control agents,pathogens, parasites, or insect growth regulators, may produce improvedinsect controlling efficacy over single active component formulations,problems with mixing the ingredients often result. Blends of Arosurf®MSF (a film-forming agent) and water or technical and/or water-baseblends of Arosurf® MSF and various formulations of Bacillusthuringiensis var. israelensis (B.t.i.), or Bacillus sphaericus orAbate® 4-E do not form homogeneous suspensions when casually mixed, andtherefore required frequent and vigorous agitation. When allowed tostand, the components would separate into distinct phases because of thedifferences in their respective specific gravities, and/or the presenceof incompatible inert formulation ingredients, and therefore these jointaction formulations would require either a continuous agitation or areagitation to effectively remix the components just prior to theirapplication.

These mixing and remixing requirements make it very difficult to applythese liquid formulations by conventional means. To circumvent some ofthese problems, high pressure water injection systems have beendeveloped. But, high pressure water injection requires high volumes ofwater to deliver the formulation. This, among other structurallimitations, renders application of certain single, joint or multipleaction formulations for insect population control difficult byhelicopter. Helicopter application is often a must for both economicefficiency and because many aquatic environment insect breeding areasare not otherwise accessible.

While it may be possible to incorporate some known components, singly orjointly or multiply into a solid agglomerated matrix, these formulationshave been found to lack the quick or controlled release ability and theability to control both mosquito larvae and pupae simultaneously whileeffectively and spontaneously spreading the active ingredients over thetarget habitat.

Since other solid agglomerated insecticidal compositions do not haverapid self-spreading characteristics, they require even applications toassure that the active insecticidal ingredient(s) are uniformlydispersed in the aquatic habitat to assure effective control of thetarget insects that may be widely dispersed in the habitat. In addition,the other solid agglomerated insecticidal components usually affect onlyone immature developmental stage. The use of insecticidal deliverycompositions made from one or more superabsorbent polymers of thepresent invention with a pupicidal film-forming agent (e.g., Arosurf®MSF) and larvicidal agent such as B.t.i. or Bacillus sphaericus haveself-spreading potential and can kill mosquito larvae, pupae, oremerging adults rapidly in areas far removed from the initial points ofapplication. Although Arosurf® MSF can kill mosquito larvae and pupae,their impact on larval populations is usually very slow.

No single or joint action solid agglomerated formulations are availablethat claim rapid larvicidal and pupicidal action and self-spreadingcharacteristics. Commercial solid agglomerated formulations of Bacillusthuringiensis var. israelensis, (Vectobac® G, Teknar® granules,Bactimos® briquets, Bactimos® granules or pellets), Abate® (1-SG, 2-CG,5-CG), Dursban® 10CR, Furadan® 3, or Furadan 5 granules, and Altosid®briquets are available that have slow or quick immature stage killpotential, and/or fast or slow release characteristics; however, thesedo not have rapid multidevelopmental stage control potential, do nothave self-spreading characteristics, are typically composed of only oneactive insecticidal ingredient that cannot be simply and rapidlydetected or monitored under field conditions by insecticide applicators,and are composed of non-superabsorbent polymer materials. For example,the Altosid® briquet is an insect growth regulator formulation designedto sink and release effective levels of the chemical for approximately30 days. Altosid® is released as the charcoal-like briquet erodes.Treated larvae continue to develop normally to the pupal stage wherethey die. Bactimos® briquets are composed of cork-like matrices thatfloat and release effective levels of B.t.i. for approximately 30 dayswhere they kill mosquitoes only in the larval stage. In addition, mostof the products mentioned will not kill late 4th instar mosquito larvaeand, with the exception of Altosid® which kills the mosquito slowly whenit reaches the pupal stage, none of the products will directly killpupae or emerging adults.

The active ingredients of the aforementioned products in their standardformulations can be formulated on a superabsorbent polymer of thepresent invention to provide an alternate substrate (carrier), or morepreferably can be formulated with one or more larvicidal/pupicidalfilm-forming agents such as Arosurf® MSF to provide a joint actionformulation that kills larvae, pupae, or emerging adults rapidly, hasspontaneous spreading ability for better distribution of the activeingredients throughout the target habitat, and has the ability to bechemically monitored in the target habitat to determine the presence orpersistance of one or more active insecticidal components.

Compaction of the superabsorbent polymer matrix of the present inventionhas been shown to effect a slow-release mechanism for certain activeingredients. In addition, varying the ratio of different types of thesesuperabsorbent polymers of the present invention that have differentialwater uptake characteristics (e.g., Water Lock® products) in a singlecompacted or agglomerated matrix may effect a mechanism to furtherenhance the slow-release of certain active insecticidal ingredients. Inaddition, the varying specific gravities (i.e., less than or greaterthan one) of the superabsorbent polymers of the present invention can beused to develop floating or sinking formulations for use in a variety ofhabitats to kill a variety of aquatic insect species.

Attempts have been made to incorporate film-forming agents such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,033 on or in a variety of floating orsubmerged solid water soluble, erodible, and porous matrices such assponges, reticulated polyurethane foam, agar, gelatin capsules, cork,vermiculite, zein, corn cob grits, charcoals, sand, clays, lignins,celite, wood chips, sawdust, cetyl or stearyl alcohols, and celluloseacetate or triacetates. However, these attempts have been unsuccessfulbecause the combined matrix and film-forming agent was either too softto handle and apply by conventional techniques, too hard to release asufficient amount of the active film-forming agent for effectivemosquito control, and/or the matrix could not be impregnated with asufficient amount of the film-forming agent to permit application of thebulk material at rates that were practical for operational mosquitocontrol.

Specific Objects

It is therefore an object of the present invention to providecompositions and methods for the pretreated dry habitat control andaquatic control of a population of aquatic environment insects,particularly mosquitoes, which overcome the problems and deficiencies ofthe prior art.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a compositionand method which is easy to prepare (formulate) and use (apply), andwhich is erodible (biodegradable) and safe to the environment, but whichis effective for use in controlling one or more immature stages ofnatural population of aquatic environment insects, particularlymosquitoes.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide acomposition and method which can incorporate a wide variety ofingredients into a single insecticidal delivery system to control abroad spectrum of aquatic environment insect populations, particularlymosquitoes, and to provide for the variable time release of thoseingredients.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method forcontrolling natural populations of those species of mosquitoes thatbreed in small collections of water in tree holes, cans, birdbaths,tires, bromeliads, and other types of natural and artificial waterholding containers, which only require the use of a material that isindependently effective for the control of immature stages of certainspecies of mosquitoes.

These and other objects are accomplished by the compositions and methodsof the present invention.

Specific Aspects

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an insecticidal delivery composition for controlling apopulation of aquatic environment insects, the delivery compositionbeing applied as a pretreatment before the target habitat is flooded oras a direct treatment to the aquatic habitat. The composition includesat least one superabsorbent polymer, and at least one insecticidalagent, alone or in combination with a diluent or surface active agent,the polymer and insecticidal agent being present in a total amounteffective to control the population of aquatic environment insects. Thediluent or surface active agent if present, is at a concentrationadapted to allow impregnation of the insecticidal agent(s) on thepolymer(s).

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an insecticidal delivery composition for controlling apopulation of aquatic environment insects which includes at least onesuperabsorbent polymer, and at least one different insecticidal agentwhich is a film-forming agent, the polymer and agent being present in atotal amount effective to control the population of aquatic environmentinsects, the delivery composition being applied as a pretreatment beforethe target habitat is flooded or as a direct treatment to the aquatichabitat.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an insecticidal delivery composition for controlling apopulation of aquatic environment insects. The composition includes atleast one superabsorbent polymer, at least one different insecticidalagent which is a film-forming agent, and at least one additionalcompound. The additional compound is selected from larvicides;pupicides; ovicides; insecticides; toxicants; pesticides; biologicalcontrol agents; microbial control agents; pathogens; parasites; insectgrowth regulators; diluents; surface active agents, and mixturesthereof. The polymer, agent and additional compound are present in atotal amount effective to control the population of aquatic environmentinsects, the delivery composition being applied as a pretreatment beforethe target habitat is flooded or as a direct treatment to the aquatichabitat.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for controlling a population of mosquitoes thatbreed in small water collections, e.g., container, tree hole, bromeliad,etc. The method includes the steps of:

preparing or formulating an insecticidal delivery composition whichincludes at least one superabsorbent polymer; and;

applying said insecticidal delivery composition in an amount effectiveto control the population of small water collection-breeding mosquitoesto an aquatic environment area needing control of the immature stages ofthese species of mosquitoes, the delivery composition being applied as apretreatment before the target habitat is flooded or as a directtreatment to the artificial or natural aquatic habitat.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for controlling a population of aquatic environmentinsects which includes the steps of:

preparing an insecticidal delivery composition which includes at leastone superabsorbent polymer and at least one insecticidal agent whichincludes a film-forming agent, by a series of soakings, washes, variablespeed blending, and/or heat and moisture conditioning treatments;

applying said insecticidal delivery composition in an amount effectiveto control the population of aquatic environment insects, to an aquaticarea needing aquatic insect control treatment, the delivery compositionbeing applied as a pretreatment before the target habitat is flooded oras a direct treatment to the aquatic habitat.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for controlling a population of aquatic insects.The method includes the steps of:

preparing an insecticidal delivery composition which includes at leastone superabsorbent polymer and at least one insecticidal agent whichincludes a film-forming agent and at least one additional compound. Theadditional compound is selected from ovicides; larvicides; pupicides;insecticides; conventional toxicants; pesticides; biological controlagents, microbial control agents; pathogens; parasites; insect growthregulators; diluents; surface active agents; and mixtures thereof; and

applying said insecticidal delivery composition in an amount effectiveto control the population of aquatic environment insects, to an aquaticenvironment needing aquatic insect control treatment, with the deliverycomposition being applied as a pretreatment before the target habitat isflooded or as a direct treatment to the aquatic habitat.

The superabsorbent polymers of the present invention are syntheticorganic polymers which are solid and hydrophilic, absorbing over 100times their weight in water. Generally, these superabsorbent polymersare chosen from acrylamide and acrylate polymers, co-polymers andterpolymers. These superabsorbent polymers are typically in a powder orflake form, adapted to be blended and/or agglomerated.

The acrylamide and acrylate superabsorbent polymers may be, for example,acrylamide alkali metal acrylate copolymers; propenenitrilehomopolymers, hydrolyzed, alkali metal salts; polymers of propenamideand propenoic acid, alkali metal salts; hydrolyzed acrylonitrilecopolymers, and starch graft copolymers and terpolymers thereof. All ofthese are designed to be hydrophilic, absorbing over 100 times theirweight in water.

The present invention has been found to be particularly effective incontrolling natural populations of mosquito species such as Aedesaegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes triseriatus, Culex quinquefasciatus,Culex nigripalpus, Wyeomyia mitchellii, and Wyeomyia vanduzeei in anaquatic environment area needing mosquito control treatment.

Specific Advantages

The present invention provides numerous advantages over priorcompositions and methods. For example, the methods of the presentinvention require that as little as one component be used to control thepopulation of aquatic environment insects such as mosquitoes. Theformulations of the present invention may be composed of a wide choiceof either nontoxic or toxic biological or microbial control agents,pathogens, parasites, insect growth regulators, monomolecular surfacefilms, larvicides, ovicides, pupicides, and/or conventional insecticidesdepending on the type or nature of the habitat to be controlled, theenvironmental impact, and/or the type of aquatic developmental stage orinsect species to be controlled. The formulations of the presentinvention are biodegradable. They are also storage stable, basically asstable as the individual components; however, increased stability mayoccur in matrix form. The present invention can take a wide variety ofshapes and forms which may be required for a particular application. Theformulations of the present invention can have a variable time release,either quick, or gradual as the situation requires. The presentinvention provides a carrier for the delivery of joint or multipleactive formulations of otherwise incompatible liquid or powderedinsecticidal agents without the necessity of costly and complexagitation/application equipment. The present invention can be used as apretreatment application to areas that are dry but are known to breedwhen flooded, thereby assuring that the first broods will be controlled.One or more of the carrier polymers without an added larvicidal orpupicidal ingredient can control immature stages of mosquitoes thatbreed in containers, tires, birdbaths, bromeliads, or other smallwater-holding receptacles by physical (nontoxic) mechanisms. The presentinvention is also not restricted to applications to any one type ofaquatic environment.

Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Surprisingly it has been found that certain superabsorbent polymersconstitute a novel class of chemicals useful as insecticidal deliverycompositions for controlling a population of insects in an aquaticenvironment area needing aquatic environment insect control treatment.

An insecticidal delivery composition is any composition which can carry,or be adapted to carry, insecticidal agent(s), biologically active orbiologically inactive agent(s), etc., to the target habitat, natural orartificial, aquatic or dry. In a preferred embodiment, the insecticidaldelivery agent is one or more superabsorbent polymers. Superabsorbentpolymers, including starch graft copolymers, are well known in the art.See, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,375,535 and4,497,930 (incorporated herein by reference) which have had uses foradhesives, flocculants, sizers, water-retaining materials foragriculture and water-absorbing materials for sanitary materials.However, the advantages attendant the use of superabsorbent polymers asan insecticidal delivery composition and more specifically for mosquitocontrol in an aquatic environment, have gone completely unrecognized.

The superabsorbent polymers of the present invention are syntheticorganic polymers which are solid and hydrophilic, absorbing over 100times their weight in water. Generally, these superabsorbent polymersare chosen from acrylamide and acrylate polymers, copolymers andterpolymers. These superabsorbent polymers are typically in a powder orflake form, adapted to be blended and/or agglomerated.

The acrylamide and acrylate superabsorbent polymers may be, for example,acrylamide alkali metal acrylate copolymers; propenenitrilehomopolymers, hydrolyzed, alkali metal salts; polymers of propenamideand propenoic acid, alkali metal salts; hydrolyzed acrylonitrilecopolymers, and starch graft copolymers and terpolymers thereof. All ofthese are designed to be hydrophilic, absorbing over 100 times theirweight in water. The resulting hydrophilic polymers can absorb from overone hundred to greater than about 5000, more typically over 500 to about1,000, times their own weight in water (measured using distilled water,pH 7.5, 25° C., 760 mm Hg. absorption within about 30 seconds). However,the absorption or swelling capacity and absorption or swelling timetypically varies with each specific superabsorbent polymer.

One class of superabsorbent polymers include combinations of a starchand organic monomers, oligomers, polymers, copolymers or terpolymers.They may be manufactured in a variety of ways, for example the methodsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,375,535 and 4,497,930, and can be, forexample, the product of grafting corn starch (amylopectin) withacrylonitrile (an acrylic monomer or oligomer).

The superabsorbent polymers can also be propenoic oracrylonitrile/acrylamide-base polymers or copolymers or terpolymers thatalso show superabsorbency properties.

It has also been observed that superabsorbent polymers alone, orimpregnated with one or more insecticidal agent(s), have the ability toswell in water and release the substance(s) impregnated. Superabsorbentpolymers also have the ability under certain conditions to reform orcontract to a congealed consistency similar to their original form whenevaporation has caused the water to be removed from the gel-like matrix,and then swell or re-gel when additional water is added. This ability tobe functional after repetitive periods of wetting and drying isadvantageous for pretreatment and/or prolonged control releaseapplications.

Non-limiting specific examples of superabsorbent polymers withdifferential swelling properties, and which are particularly useful asinsecticidal delivery agents include:

1) a copolymer of acrylamide sodium acrylate (Terra-Sorb™ GB);

2) hydrolyzed starch-polyacrylonitrile (Terra-Sorb™);

3) 2-propenenitrile, homopolymer, hydrolyzed, sodium salt orpoly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) or poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoicacid, sodium salt), (Water Lock® Superabsorbent Polymer G-100),

4) starch-g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid, sodium salt),(Water Lock® Superabsorbent Polymer A-100);

5) starch-g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid, sodium salt),(Water Lock® Superabsorbent Polymer A-200);

6) starch-g-poly (2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid, potassium salt),(Water Lock® Superabsorbent Polymer B-204);

7) poly (2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid, sodium salt), (Water Lock®Superabsorbent Polymer G-400);

8) poly-2-propenoic acid, sodium salt (Water Lock® SuperabsorbentPolymer J-500);

9) starch-g-poly (acrylonitrile) or starch-g-poly (acrylamide co-sodiumacrylate), (General Mills® SGP 5025S); and

10) starch acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb/AG Sorbent).

Superabsorbent polymers are generally nontoxic, biodegradable, andrelatively inexpensive to buy or produce.

It has further been observed that the insecticidal delivery agentconsistent with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention,exhibit physical (nontoxic) insecticidal agent properties when appliedto selected habitats that contain certain species of mosquitoes thatbreed in cans, birdbaths, tires, bromeliads, and other types of naturalor artificial water holding containers, even without the presence of anadditional insecticidal agent.

Thus, these superabsorbent polymers can be used in pretreatment oraquatic situations, independently, for controlling natural populationsof mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedestriseriatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex nigripalpus, Wyeomyiamitchellii, and Wyeomyia vanduzeei in an aquatic environment areaneeding mosquito control treatment.

An insecticidal agent of the present invention is a compound which iseffective in controlling a population of aquatic environment insects inan aquatic area needing aquatic insect control treatment. In a preferredembodiment, insecticidal agents include film-forming agents, ovicides,larvicides, pupicides, pesticides, insecticides, toxicants, biologicalcontrol agents, pathogens, parasites, microbial control agents, andinsect growth regulators. These insecticidal agents can be used alone orin combination; however, in a more preferred embodiment, theinsecticidal agent contains at least one film-forming agent. As notedabove, the preferred group of carriers exhibits physical (nontoxic)mosquitocidal agent properties. This is to say that the carriers areeffective in controlling a population of certain species of mosquitoesthat breed in small natural or artificial water collections.

Film-forming agents that are mosquitocidal are generallywater-immiscible organic chemicals which form a film on water. Thechemicals are generally nonionic, nonvolatile and water immiscibleliquids. They may have a low freezing point, a boiling point above themaximum air temperature of the environment into which they are placed,and are capable of rapid and spontaneous spreading with high respreadingpotentials.

Examples of liquid, semisolid, or solid film-forming or surface activeagents useful in conjunction with the present invention for insecticidaland/or noninsecticidal purposes are: the organic chemicals described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,160,033, which is herein incorporated by reference; andorganic chemicals that reduce the water surface tension to greater than31 dynes/cm and/or have an HLB No. greater than 10. Film-forming orsurface-active agents such as 2-propanol, tridecyl alcohol, 2-ethylbutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol, 1-hexanol, acetone, xylene, decyl alcohol,polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene alkyl arylether, polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate, isosteary alcoholcontaining 10 oxyethylene groups, Morwet® surfactants, isostearylalcohol containing 20 oxyethylene groups; or surface activepetroleum-base oils such as mineral oils, diesel oils, etc., may beused. In addition, the insecticidal agents, and hence the insecticidaldelivery compositions, may contain other types of ingredients such asdiluents, enhancers, and/or binders, such as clays, gums, water, cetylor stearyl alcohol.

HLB stands for "Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance", as defined in THE ATLASHLB SYSTEM, Atlas Chemical Industries, Inc. (4th printing), 1963. TheHLB number is an indication of the percentage of the hydrophilic portionof the nonionic emulsifier molecule, as defined on pages 3 and 18 ofthis reference.

A pupicide is any material that can kill that specific developmentalstage of certain aquatic insects called a pupa. Pupicides are usuallychemicals that kill pupae directly by forming petroleum or nonpetroleumfilms on the surface of water that cause the pupae to drown. This stageis nonfeeding and directly precedes the adult stage. Examples ofpupicides useful in accordance with the present invention include GoldenBear oils such as GB-1111 or BG-1356, Arosurf® MSF, Flit MLO®, andDiesel oil or mineral oil base formulations. Biological/microbial pupalcontrol agents such as fungi, protozoa, viruses, rickettsiae andnematodes may also be used.

A larvicide is any material that can kill that specific developmentalstage of certain aquatic insects called a larva. Larvicides can killlarvae after ingestion of a toxic material, kill on or after contactwith the integument, or kill by physical (nontoxic) and/or toxic meansby causing the larvae to drown. The larval stage is a feeding stage thatusually has several molting or growth phases called instars. Forexample, in mosquitoes there are four larval instars. The larval stagedirectly precedes the pupal stage. Examples of larvicides useful inaccordance with the present invention include biological control agentsor microbial control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis var.israelensis (Vectobac®, Bactimos®, Teknar®, Skeetal®) or Bacillussphaericus (BSP-1); conventional toxicants such as Abate®, Baytex®,Dursban®, resmethrin, malathion, pyrethrins, allethrin, Baygon®,Furadan®, methoxychlor, etc.; and petroleum or nonpetroleum film-formingoils such as Flit MLO®, GB-1111 or GB-1356, and Arosurf® MSF. Otherfungi, protozoa, viruses, rickettsiae and nematodes may also be used.

insect growth regulators (IGRs) are chemicals such as juvenile hormoneor anti-juvenile hormone analogues that kill the target aquaticenvironment insect in one or more immature stages by adversely affectingthe molting or developmental cycle. IGRs are not considered to be directlarvicides or pupicides. For the most part, larvae that are exposed tothe chemical continue to develop normally until they reach the pupalstage where they die. Examples of IGRs are Altosid®, Dimilin®, andfenoxycarb.

Insect population is used here to refer to one or more groups or speciesof aquatic environment insects that breed in any type of aquaticenvironment or habitat requiring control treatment. The population asused herein denotes a natural or artificial breeding area and the likeor the aquatic insects, pupae, larvae and eggs contained within anygeographical area needing aquatic environment insect control treatment.For example, a field, yard, pasture, pot hole, salt marsh, ditch, tire,woods, lake, stream, river, bay, pond, etc., may be treated. Of course,the area needing aquatic environment insect control treatment can be anysize and the present invention is only limited by the amount of time,equipment, and material available.

Impregnation of superabsorbent polymers with fatty alcohol film-formingagents such as Arosurf® MSF or sorbitan monooleate appears to delay orslow down the rate of water absorption of superabsorbent polymers suchas Super Sorb or Water Lock® G-100, thereby providing another usefulmechanism for slow or controlled release of insecticidal agents in theaquatic environment. The slow or controlled release process could befurther modified or delayed by the degree of compaction of the powderedor flaked superabsorbent polymer and superabsorbent polymer/insecticidalagent formulations, by varying the size of an orifice in a containerinto which the insecticidal delivery composition is placed, by varyingthe concentration of film-forming agent, by varying the concentration ofdifferent types of superabsorbent polymers, and by adding one or morebinders. When used in small water collections to control certain speciesof mosquitoes, it appears that water that is held within thecross-linked gel-like superabsorbent polymer matrix evaporates slowerwhen compared to a equivalent amount of free-standing water. Inaddition, the addition of certain film-forming agents to the polymer(s)also appears to retard the rate of water loss. These observationsindicate that water in these small breeding receptacles will bephysically inactivated (i.e. gelled) for longer periods of time, thusproviding a habitat that is not suitable for mosquito breeding. Theseobservations further suggest additional field persistence mechanisms ofany active insecticidal ingredients which are added to the polymermatrix.

It should be noted that certain salts (e.g., alkali metal halides suchas NaCl) have been shown to break the cross-linking of thesuperabsorbent polymer's matrix when introduced to water. This can havean impact on the swelling and population control ability of theinsecticidal delivery composition (e.g., swelling and controllability ofthe superabsorbent polymer alone and/or the release rate of certaininsecticidal agents that may be impregnated there within). Therefore, itis possible to utilize certain salts in superabsorbent polymer-baseformulations as another mechanism to alter (enhance in this case) oradjust the release rate of these formulations. The salt content of theaquatic habitat may also have an effect on kill of the target species byaffecting the matrix swelling, breakdown, decomposition, and/or releaseof active insecticidal ingredients. The addition of salts to the matrixformulation may also affect a mechanism to vary this factor.

The following are examples of comparative bioassays that demonstrateeffective control of larvae, pupae, and/or emerging adults of a varietyof mosquito species with single and joint action formulations of asuperabsorbent polymer and one or more insect control agents. All parts,percentages and ratios are by weight unless otherwise noted.

EXAMPLES I-VII

Data was collected from the use of an insecticidal delivery compoundmade up of starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb)Trademark as thesuperabsorbent polymer and film-forming agent isostearyl alcoholcontaining two oxyethylene groups (Arosurf® MSF), and Super Sorb,Arosurf® MSF and B.t.i., or B. sphaericus, or Abate® 4-E. Arosurf® MSFis the only film-forming agent (so-called monomolecular surface film)that is presently registered by the Environmental Protection Agency(E.P.A.) for use as a mosquito larvicide and pupicide and licensed underU.S. Pat. No. 4,160,033. B.t.i. products and Abate® 4-E have E.P.A.registration while B. sphaericus (BSP-1) has an E.P.A. experimental usepermit pending E.P.A. registration. Other bioassays were conducted withthe starch graft polymer 2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid, sodium salt(Water Lock® Superabsorbent Polymer G-100) as the superabsorbent polymerand Arosurf® MSF, and Water Lock® G-100, Arosurf® MSF and B.t.i., or B.sphaericus, or Abate® 4-E. Although similar results were obtained, thebioassays indicated that the overall mosquito-controlling efficacy wasbetter with Super Sorb. Also, 50/50 blends of Super Sorb and Water Lock®Superabsorbent Polymer G-100 were evaluated in combination with theaforementioned active insecticidal ingredients with comparablemosquito-controlling efficacy being observed.

Film-forming agents such as sorbitan monooleate, oleyl alcohol, 75%sorbitan monooleate and 25% 2-ethyl butanol or 2-propanol, olyel alcoholcontaining 2 oxyethylene groups, and lauryl ether containing 4oxyethylene groups were also evaluated. These materials were impregnatedonto Super Sorb and Water Lock® G-100 to determine mixing compatibilityand surface film release only. Although these materials were notevaluated against larvae and pupae, results of film-release studiessuggested that comparable mosquito-controlling efficacy would result. Inaddition, the insect growth regulator Altosid® SR-10 was also formulatedwith Arosurf® MSF and Super Sorb or Water Lock® G-100, to determineformulation compatibilities. Results indicate that joint actionformulations of these materials can also be utilized.

In general, the data indicates that liquid film-forming or surfaceactive agents can be mixed with, and impregnated on, a superabsorbentpolymer matrix, alone, or in combination with one or more liquid orsolid mosquito larvicides, ovicides, pupicides, insecticides,pesticides, biological control agents, microbial control agents,pathogens, parasites, conventional toxicants, and insect growthregulators, to produce joint or multiple action solid formulations forsingle and multi-stage mosquito control in the aquatic environment.

Surprisingly, the data indicates that formulations of Super Sorb andArosurf® MSF produced faster control of larvae of Aedes taeniorhynchusthan Arosurf® MSF alone. The data suggests that the two-componentformulation may produce an activation or larvicidal enhancementmechanism for Arosurf® MSF against this mosquito species in the waterqualities tested. It should be noted that the superabsorbent polymeralone showed no significant larvicidal activity.

In general, polymer-base larvicidal enhancement was not observed intests against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. Tests againstthese species in fresh water showed comparable larvicidal efficacy whenthe superabsorbent polymer-Arosurf® MSF formulation was evaluatedagainst Arosurf® MSF alone. It should be noted that larvae of the Ae.taeniorhynchus are significantly more sensitive to Arosurf® MSF than Cx.quinquefasciatus or Ae. aegypti. However, it should be noted that thesalt marsh mosquito Aedes taeniorhynchus is the main pest mosquito inLee County as well as in other coastal counties of Florida and otherparts of the U.S.A.

                                      TABLE I                                     __________________________________________________________________________                                Cumulative percentage mortality of larvae,                                    pupae, and/or emerging adults at indicated        Run                                                                              Larval           Application rate                                                                      posttreatment time period (days).sup.4            no.                                                                              instar                                                                            Formulation  per surface acre                                                                      1   2   3   4   5   6                             __________________________________________________________________________    Efficacy of superabsorbent polymer-base formulations of                       Arosurf ® MSF against larvae of Aedes taeniorhynchus..sup.1               1  1st Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb.sup.2                                                                          0   36.7                                                                              76.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 0   0   10  40  --  --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 --  --                                   Control      --      0   6.7 6.7 6.7 --  --                            2  2nd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  16.7                                                                              80  96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 0   6.7 83.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              100 --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 --                                   Control      --      0   0   6.7 13.3                                                                              13.3                                                                              --                            3  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  6.7 100 --  --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 3.3 80  83.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              --  --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  0   0   0   3.3 --  --                                   Control      --      0   0   0   0   --  --                            4  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MS                                                                      4.4 lb  6.7 56.7                                                                              76.7                                                                              83.3                                                                              90  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 16.7                                                                              36.7                                                                              53.3                                                                              56.7                                                                              56.7                                                                              --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  0   0   0   13.3                                                                              13.3                                                                              --                                   Control      --      0   0   3.3 3.3 10  --                            5  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  53.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 10  93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100                                  Polymers     2.2 lb  0   0   0   0   0   0                                    Control      --      0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3                           6  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  26.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 43.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  0   0   --  --  --  --                                   Control      --      0   0   --  --  --  --                            Efficacy of polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF                    against larvae of Aedes taeniorhynchus.                                       7  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  100 --  --  --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 80  100 --  --  --  --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  3.3 3.3 --  --  --  --                                   Control      --      0   0   --  --  --  --                            8  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  23.3                                                                              53.3                                                                              100 --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 53.3                                                                              63.3                                                                              100 --  --  --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  0   0   0   --  --  --                                   Control      --      0   3.3 3.3 --  --  --                            9  3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     6.6 lb.sup.3                                                                          26.7                                                                              90  100 --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 3.3 63.3                                                                              100 --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.52                                                                              gal 0   46.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                                   Polymers     6.6 lb  0   0   0   --  --  --                                   Control      --      0   3.3 3.3 --  --  --                            10 3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     6.6 lb  13.3                                                                              56.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 0   50  93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              100                                  Arosurf MSF  0.52                                                                              gal 0   43.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              100 --  --                                   Polymers     6.6 lb  0   0   3.3 6.7 6.7 6.7                                  Control      --      3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 6.7 6.7                           11 3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     6.6 lb  60  83.3                                                                              90  90  100 --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 46.7                                                                              63.3                                                                              76.7                                                                              90  93.3                                                                              100                                  Polymers     3.3 lb  0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 6.7                                  Control      --      0   0   6.7 6.7 10  10                            12 4th Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  0   60  96.7                                                                              --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 0   33.3                                                                              56.7                                                                              --  --  --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  0   0   0   --  --  --                                   Control      --      0   0   0   --  --  --                            13 4th Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     4.4 lb  3.3 20  43.3                                                                              76.7                                                                              90  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 6.7 10  26.7                                                                              53.3                                                                              63.3                                                                              --                                   Polymers     2.2 lb  6.7 6.7 10  13.3                                                                              13.3                                                                              --                                   Control      --      0   0   3.3 3.3 13.3                                                                              --                            14 4th Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                     6.6 lb  86.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                                   Arosurf MSF  0.26                                                                              gal 40  66.7                                                                              80  83.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100                                  Arosurf MSF  0.52                                                                              gal 36.7                                                                              70  83.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100                                  Polymers     3.3 lb  0   0   3.3 3.3 6.7 6.7                                  Control      --      0   0   0   0   3.3 3.3                           __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158k used in all tests. All bioassys conducted in        12.5% artificial seawater.                                                    .sup.2 1:1 ratio of Polymers to Arosurf MSF with Arosurf MSF application      rate of 0.23 gal/acre.                                                        .sup.3 1:1 ratio of Polymers to Arosurf MSF with Arosurf MSF application      rate of 0.35 gal/acre.                                                        .sup.4 Tests terminated at highest mortality shown.                      

                                      TABLE II                                    __________________________________________________________________________                                       Cumulative percentage mortality of                                            larvae, pupae,                                                         Application                                                                          and/or emerging adults at indicated                                           posttreatment                              Run Larval                                                                            %     Formulation   rate per                                                                             time period (days).sup.4                   no. instar                                                                            seawater.sup.2                                                                      (age)         surface acre                                                                         1   2   3   4   5   6   7                  __________________________________________________________________________    Effect of habitat water quality on efficacy of superabsorbent                 polymer-base                                                                  formulations of Arosurf ® MSF against larvae of Aedes                     taeniorhynchus..sup.1                                                         1a  2nd 0     Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb.sup.3                                                                         40  86.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --                               (134 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 23.3                                                                              70  86.7                                                                              90  96.7                                                                              100 --                               (6 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              16.7                                                                              36.7                                                                              53.3                                                                              70  83.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              100                              Polymers      2.2 lb 0   3.3 10  10  10  10  10                               Control       --     0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3                1b  2nd 6.25  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (134 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (6 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              86.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   --  --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   --  --  --  --  --                 1c  2nd 12.5  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (134 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (6 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   --  --  --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   --  --  --  --  --  --                 1d  2nd 25    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (134 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (6 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 6.7 --  --  --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   --  --  --  --  --  --                 Effect of habitat water quality on efficacy of polymer-base                   formulations of Arosurf ® MSF against larvae of Aedes                     taeniorhynchus.                                                               1e  2nd 50    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (134 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (6 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   --  --  --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   --  --  --  --  --  --                 1f  2nd 75    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (134 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (6 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   --  --  --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   --  --  --  --  --  --                 2a  3rd 0     Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 50  60  70  76.7                                                                              90  100 --                               (94 days)                                                                     Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              23.3                                                                              43.3                                                                              70  83.3                                                                              100 --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --                 2b  3rd 50    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 86.7                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                               (94 days)                                                                     Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              16.7                                                                              40  86.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   3.3 3.3 --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   --  --  --                 2c  3rd 100   Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 93.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (94 days)                                                                     Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              53.3                                                                              76.7                                                                              80  83.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   0   0   --                 3a  3rd 0     Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 83.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --                               (101 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 76.7                                                                              80  86.7                                                                              86.7                                                                              90  100 --                               (1 day)                                                                       Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              20  40  83.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   3.3 3.3 6.7 6.7 6.7 --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   0   0   --                 3b  3rd 6.25  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --                               (101 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 90  93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                               (1 day)                                                                       Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              46.7                                                                              56.7                                                                              86.7                                                                              86.7                                                                              100 --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   3.3 3.3 --                 3c  3rd 12.5  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 66.7                                                                              90  100 --  --  --  --                               (101 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 63.3                                                                              90  96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                               (1 day)                                                                       Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              40  60  83.3                                                                              90  93.3                                                                              100 --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --                               Control       --     0   0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --                 3d  3rd 25    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 73.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               (101 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 73.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (1 day)                                                                       Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              26.7                                                                              60  93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              100 --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   0   0   0   3.3 --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   3.3 3.3 --                 3e  3rd 50    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (101 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 93.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (1 day)                                                                       Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              46.7                                                                              80  100 --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   3.3 --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   --  --  --  --                 3f  3rd 100   Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 83.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               (101 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 83.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               (1 day)                                                                       Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              40  46.7                                                                              83.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   0   0   0   --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   3.3 --  --                 4a  4th 6.25  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (136 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 93.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (8 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              90  93.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --  --                               Control       --     6.7 6.7 6.7 --  --  --  --                 4b  4th 12.5  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (136 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (8 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              53.3                                                                              80  90  100 --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   --  --  --                 4c  4th 25    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (136 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (8 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              56.7                                                                              63.3                                                                              70  100 --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --                               Control       --     3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --                 4d  4th 50    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (136 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (8 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              33.3                                                                              56.7                                                                              83.3                                                                              100 --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   --  --  --                 4e  4th 75    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 100 --  --  --  --  --  --                               (136 days)                                                                    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (8 days)                                                                      Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              60  83.3                                                                              93.3                                                                              100 --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   0   0   0   --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   0   --  --  --                 5a  4th 0     Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 83.3                                                                              100 --  --  --  --  --                               (60 days)                                                                     Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              43.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   3.3 3.3 --  --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   6.7 --  --  --  --                 5b  4th 100   Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               (60 days)                                                                     Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              40  63.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                               Polymers      2.2 lb 0   3.3 6.7 6.7 --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   6.7 6.7 --  --  --                 __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158k used in all tests.                                  .sup.2 Seawater concentrations of 0-100% prepared with Instant Ocean and      water purified by reverse osmosis (RO); 0% seawater = RO water.               .sup.3 1:1 ratio of Polymers to Arosurf MSF with Arosurf MSF application      rate of 0.23 gal/acre.                                                        .sup.4 Tests terminated at highest mortality shown.                      

The data also indicates that these powdered superabsorbent polymers canbe agglomerated with various concentrations of Arosurf® MSF or otherfilm-forming chemicals by conventional techniques to produce granulesthat possess larvicidal and pupicidal efficacy that is comparable to thenon-agglomerated superabsorbent polymer formulations. Both quick andslow-release formulations may be made in granule form.

                                      TABLE III                                   __________________________________________________________________________            Water                      Cumulative percentage mortality of                                            larvae,                                        Species                                                                           quality             Application                                                                          pupae, and/or emerging adults at                                              indicated                                  Run (instar/                                                                          (% sea-             rate per                                                                             posttreatment time period (days)           No. pupae)                                                                            (water)                                                                             Formulation   surface acre.sup.2                                                                   1   2   3   4   5   6   7                  __________________________________________________________________________    Comparative efficacy of agglomerated and non-agglomerated superabsorbent      polymer-base formulations of                                                  Arosurf ® MSF against larvae and pupae(P) of Aedes taeniorhynchus         (A.T.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (C.Q.)..sup.1                               1a  A.T.                                                                              6.25  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      3.52                                                                              lb 60  80  86.7                                                                              90  93.3                                                                              100 --                     (4th)     (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 66.7                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100                              (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Control       --     0   0   0   3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3                1b  A.T.                                                                              12.5  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      3.52                                                                              lb 76.7                                                                              93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                     (4th)     (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 90  100 --  --  --  --  --                               (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Control       --     0   3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --                 1c  A.T.                                                                              25    Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      3.52                                                                              lb 83.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                     (4th)     (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 80  96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --  --                               (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Control       --     3.3 3.3 3.3 --  --  --  --                 2   C.Q.                                                                              R.O..sup.3                                                                          Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 6.7 53.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              96.7.sup.4                                                                        --  --  --                     (4th/P)   (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      6.6 lb 13.3                                                                              66.7                                                                              90  100 --  --  --                               (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 6.7 53.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              93.3.sup.5                                                                        --  --  --                               (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      6.6 lb 26.7                                                                              66.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                               (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              10  63.3                                                                              86.7                                                                              100 --  --  --                               Control       --     0   0   3.3 3.3 --  --  --                 3   C.Q.                                                                              R.O.  Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 10  10  26.7                                                                              70  100 --  --                     (4th)     (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      6.6 lb 6.7 16.7                                                                              43.3                                                                              80  100 --  --                               (Agglomerated)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      4.4 lb 3.3 10  63.3                                                                              83.3                                                                              96.7.sup.4                                                                        --  --                               (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      6.6 lb 13.3                                                                              36.7                                                                              46.7                                                                              76.7                                                                              100 --  --                               (Non-agglomerated)                                                            Arosurf MSF   0.26                                                                              gal                                                                              20  37.7                                                                              43.3                                                                              85.7                                                                              100 --  --                               Control       --     0   0   0   3.3 3.3 --  --                 __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158k used in all tests. 1/16 inch diameter               agglomerated granules produced using a Turbulator/Disc Pelletizer             combination (FerroTech, Wyandotte, Michigan).                                 .sup.2 Application rates of 3.52, 4.4, and 6.6 lb/acre of agglomerated        Polyrers + Arosurf MSF resulted in active ingredient being applied at ca.     0.23, 0.29, and 0.44 gal/acre Arosurf MSF, respectively. Application rate     of 4.4 and 6.6 lb/acre of nonagglomerated Polymers + Arosurf MSF resulted     in active ingredient being applied at ca. 0.23 and 0.35 gal/acre Arosurf      MSF, respectively.                                                            .sup.3 0% seawater = R.O. water.                                              .sup.4 3.3% adult escapees.                                                   .sup.5 6.7% adult escapees.                                              

Surprisingly, additional data indicates that mixtures of Super Sorb (andWater Lock® G-100) and Arosurf® MSF and Bacillus thuringiensis var.israelensis or Bacillus sphaericus or Abate® 4-E produce joint actionsolid formulations that would kill larvae, pupae and emerging adultssignificantly better than any of the formulation components.

The superabsorbent polymer formulation techniques disclosed, areexpected to improve ground and aerial application and vegetativepenetration procedures for a variety of insecticidal formulations. It isexpected that these superabsorbent polymer matrices will form the basisfor a series of floating and submerged quick and controlled releaseproducts that are self-spreading when introduced into water.

                                      TABLE IV                                    __________________________________________________________________________                                        Cumulative percentage mortality of                                            larvae,                %                      Larval                  Application                                                                           pupae, and/or emerging adults at                                              indicated              adult              Run instar/                 rate per                                                                              posttreatment time period                                                     (days).sup.10          emer-              no. pupae(P)                                                                           Formulation (age)  surface acre                                                                          1  2   3  4   5  6  7  gence              __________________________________________________________________________    Efficacy of superabsorbent polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF     and                                                                           Bacillus sphaericus against immature stages of Culex quinquefasciatus..sup    .1                                                                            1   4th/P                                                                              Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb.sup.2                                                                          50 100 -- --  -- -- -- --                          B. sphaericus (39 days)                                                       B. sphaericus + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal.sup.3                                                                         50 50  -- --  -- -- -- 50                          Arosurf MSF + water (1 day)                                                                      5.0 gal.sup.4                                                                         6.7                                                                              56.7                                                                              86.7                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF        0.26                                                                              gal.sup.4                                                                         10 63  86.7                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Polymers + Arosurf MSF (6 days)                                                                  4.4 lb.sup.5                                                                          6.7                                                                              53.3                                                                              86.7                                                                             96.7                                                                              -- -- -- 3.3                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF (6 days)                                                                  6.6 lb.sup.6                                                                          26.7                                                                             66.7                                                                              96.7                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Control            --      0  0   0  3.3 -- -- -- 96.7               2   4th/P                                                                              Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb  30 100 -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus (21 days)                                                       B. sphaericus +    0.26                                                                              gal.sup.7                                                                         40 100 -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF (21 days)                                                         B. sphaericus + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal 23.3                                                                             30  33.3                                                                             --  -- -- -- 66.7                        Arosurf MSF + water (1 day)                                                                      5.0 gal 43.3                                                                             96.7                                                                              100                                                                              --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF        0.26                                                                              gal 46.7                                                                             90  100                                                                              --  -- -- -- 0                           Polymers + Arosurf MSF (96 days)                                                                 4.4 lb  43.3                                                                             86.7                                                                              100                                                                              --  -- -- -- 0                           Polymers           2.2 lb.sup.8                                                                          0  3.3 3.3                                                                              --  -- -- -- 96.7                        Control            --      3.3                                                                              3.3 3.3                                                                              --  -- -- -- 96.7               3   4th  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb  90 100 -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus (1 day)                                                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb  96.7                                                                             100 -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus (38 days)                                                       B. sphaericus + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal 100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF        0.26                                                                              gal 20 36.7                                                                              43.3                                                                             86.7                                                                              100                                                                              -- -- 0                           Polymers + Arosurf MSF (5 days)                                                                  4.4 lb  3.3                                                                              10  30 63.3                                                                              83.3                                                                             -- -- 16.7                        Polymers + Arosurf MSF (5 days)                                                                  6.6 lb  13.3                                                                             36.7                                                                              46.7                                                                             76.7                                                                              100                                                                              -- -- 0                           Control            --      0  0   0  3.3 3.3                                                                              -- -- 96.7               Efficacy of polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF and                Bacillus sphaericus against immature stages of Culex quinquefasciatus..sup    .1                                                                            4   4th  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb.sup.9                                                                          100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus (1 day)                                                         B. sphaericus + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal 100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus +    0.26                                                                              gal 100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF (1 day)                                                           Arosurf MSF        0.26                                                                              gal 0  6.7 66.7                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Polymers + Arosurf MSF (1 day)                                                                   4.4 lb  0  6.7 66.7                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Polymers           2.2 lb  10 10  10 10  -- -- -- 90                          Control            --      0  0   3.3                                                                              3.3 -- -- -- 96.7               5   3rd  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb  96.7                                                                             100 -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus (35 days)                                                       B. sphaericus +    0.26                                                                              gal 96.7                                                                             100 -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF (35 days)                                                         B. sphaericus + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal 100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF + water (1 day)                                                                      5.0 gal 3.3                                                                              6.7 26.7                                                                             70  100                                                                              -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF        0.26                                                                              gal 10 16.7                                                                              23.3                                                                             50  100                                                                              -- -- 0                           Polymers + Arosurf MSF (105 days)                                                                4.4 lb  6.7                                                                              6.7 10 40  67.6                                                                             90 93.3                                                                             6.7                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF (105 days)                                                                6.6 lb  6.7                                                                              10  23.3                                                                             67.6                                                                              100                                                                              -- -- 0                           Polymers           2.2 lb  0  0   0  3.3 3.3                                                                              3.3                                                                              6.7                                                                              93.3                        Control            --      0  0   0  0   3.3                                                                              3.3                                                                              3.3                                                                              96.7               6   3rd  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                         4.4 lb  100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           B. sphaericus (30 days)                                                       B. sphaericus +    0.26                                                                              gal 100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF (30 days)                                                         B. sphaericus + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal 100                                                                              --  -- --  -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF + water (1 day)                                                                      5.0 gal 6.7                                                                              13.3                                                                              73.3                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Arosurf MSF        0.26                                                                              gal 6.7                                                                              16.7                                                                              63.3                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Polymers + Arosurf MSF (100 days)                                                                4.4 lb  6.7                                                                              10  63.3                                                                             86.7                                                                              -- -- -- 13.3                        Polymers + Arosurf MSF (100 days)                                                                6.6 lb  6.7                                                                              13.3                                                                              73.3                                                                             100 -- -- -- 0                           Polymers           2.2 lb  0  0   0  0   -- -- -- 100                         Control            --      0  0   0  0   -- -- -- 100                __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158k used in all tests. Flowable concentrate of B.       sphaericus (strain 2362) used in all tests is an EUP product of Biochem       Products. All tests conducted in water purified by reverse osmosis            filtration (RO).                                                              .sup.2 Active ingredients applied at rates of 0.25 pt/acre for B.             sphaericus and 0.12 gal/acre for Arosurf MSF.                                 .sup.3 B. sphaericus applied at a rate of 0.25 pt/acre.                       .sup.4 Arosurf MSF applied at a rate of 0.26 gal/acre.                        .sup.5 Active ingredients applied at a rate of 0.23 gal/acre for Arosurf      MSF.                                                                          .sup.6 Active ingredients applied at a rate of 0.35 gal/acre for Arosurf      MSF.                                                                          .sup.7 Active ingredients applied at a rate of 0.25 pt/acre for B.            Sphaericus and 0.23 gal/acre for Arosurf MSF.                                 .sup.8 Polymer matrix applied alone.                                          .sup.9 B. sphaericus in test nos. 4 and 5 applied at rate of 0.5 pt/acre.     .sup.10 50% control of mixed larvae and pupae with B. sphaericus alone =      100% control of larvae and 0% control of pupae.                          

                                      TABLE V                                     __________________________________________________________________________                                        Cumulative percentage mortality                                               of larvae, pupae, and/or                                                      emerging adults at indicated                     Larval               Application                                                                           posttreatment time                        Run    instar/              rate per                                                                              period (days).sup.7                       No.                                                                              Species                                                                           pupae(P)                                                                           Formulation (Age)                                                                             surface acre                                                                          1   2   3   4                             __________________________________________________________________________    Efficacy of superabsorbent polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF     and                                                                           Abate ® 4-E against immature stages of Aedes taeniorhynchus (A.T.),       Culex quinquefasciatus (C.Q.), and Aedes aegypti (A.A.)..sup.1                1  A.T.                                                                              4th  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb.sup.2                                                                          100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Abate 4-E (1 day)                                                             Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb  100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Abate (28 days)                                                               Abate 4-E + water                                                                             5.0 gal.sup.3                                                                         100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Arosurf MSF     0.26                                                                              gal.sup.4                                                                         13.3                                                                             60 70 --                                           Control         --      0  3.3                                                                              3.3                                                                              --                               2  A.T.                                                                              4th/P                                                                              Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb  100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Abate 4-E                                                                     Abate 4-E + water                                                                             5.0 gal 50.sup.6                                                                         -- -- --                                           Arosurf MSF     0.26                                                                              gal 66.7                                                                             83.3                                                                             100                                                                              --                                           Control         --      0  0  3.3                                                                              --                               3  C.Q.                                                                              4th  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb  100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Abate 4-E (1 day)                                                             Polymers + Abate 4-E (28 days)                                                                4.4 lb  100                                                                              --                                                 Abate 4-E + water                                                                             5.0 gal 100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Arosurf MSF     0.26                                                                              gal 13.3                                                                             20 53.3                                                                             66.7                                         Arosurf MSF + water                                                                           5.0 gal.sup.4                                                                         23.3                                                                             26.7                                                                             36.7                                                                             40                                           Control         --      0  3.3                                                                              3.3                                                                              3.3                              4  A.A.                                                                              4th  Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb  100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Abate 4-E (1 day)                                                             Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb  100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Abate 4-E (28 days)                                                           Abate 4-E + water                                                                             5.0 gal 100                                                                              -- -- --                                           Arosurf MSF     0.26                                                                              gal 0  0  -- --                                           Control         --      0  0  -- --                               Efficacy of polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF and                Abate ® 4-E against immature stages of Aedes taeniorhynchus (A.T.),       Culex quinquefasciatus (C.Q.), and Aedes aegypti (A.A.).                      5  A.A.                                                                              4th/P                                                                              Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                      4.4 lb  83.3                                                                              100 --  --                                        Abate 4-E                                                                     Abate 4-E + water                                                                             5.0 gal 43.3                                                                              43.3                                                                              43.3                                                                              43.3.sup.5                                Arosurf MSF     0.26                                                                              gal 16.7                                                                              30  43.3                                                                              53.3                                      Control         --      0   3.3 3.3 3.3                           __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158k used in all tests. Abate 4E is an                   organophosphate larvicide of American Cyanamid Company. A.T., C.Q., A.A.      tested in 12.5% seawater, sewage, and R.O. water, respectively.               .sup.2 Active ingredients applied at 0.23 gal/acre for Arosurf MSF and 1.     fl oz/acre for Abate 4E.                                                      .sup.3 Abate 4E applied at a rate of 1.0 fl oz/acre.                          .sup.4 Arosurf MSF applied at a rate of 0.26 gal/acre.                        .sup.5 56.7% adult escapees.                                                  .sup.6 50% adult escapees.                                                    .sup.7 50% control of mixed larvae and pupae with waterbase Abate 4E alon     = 100% control of larvae and 0% control of pupae. Test terminated at          highest mortality shown.                                                 

                                      TABLE VI                                    __________________________________________________________________________                                            Cumulative percentage mortality                                               of                                             Larval                 Application                                                                           larvae, pupae, and/or emerging                                                adults at                             Run      instar/                rate per                                                                              indicated posttreatment time                                                  period (days).sup.10                  No. Species.sup.2                                                                      pupae(P)                                                                            Formulation (age)                                                                              surface acre.sup.3,4                                                                  1    2    3   4    5                  __________________________________________________________________________    Efficacy of superabsorbent polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF     and                                                                           Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.) against immature stages of        Aedes taeniorhynchus (A.T.), Culex quinquefasciatus (C.Q.), and Aedes         aegypti (A.A.)..sup.1                                                         1   A.T. 3rd   Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  100  --   --  --   --                                B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 100  --   --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 80   100  --  --   --                                Polymers         2.2 lb  3.3  3.3  --  --   --                                Control          --      0    0    --  --   --                 2   A.T. 4th   Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  90   96.7 100 --   --                                B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  76.7 100  --  --   --                                B.t.i. (28 days)                                                              B.t.i. + water   5.0 gal 90   100  --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 13.3 60   70  --   --                                Control          --      0    3.3  3.3 --   --                 3   A.T. 4th   Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  96.7 100  --  --   --                          (late)                                                                              B.t.i. (15 days)                                                              B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 70   70.sup.5                                                                           --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 70   86.7 96.7                                                                              100  --                                Polymers         2.2 lb  0    6.7  6.7 6.7  --                                Control          --      0    5    10  10   --                 4   A.T. 4th/P Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  83.3 96.7 96.7                                                                              100  --                                B.t.i. (14 days)                                                              Arosurf MSF + B.t.i. (14 days)                                                                 0.26                                                                              gal 76.7 93.3 96.7                                                                              100  --                                B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 40   63.3.sup.6                                                                         --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 60   86.7 96.7                                                                              100  --                                Control          --      5    5    15  15   --                 Efficacy of polymer-base formulations of Arosurf ® MSF and                Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.) against immature stages of        Aedes taeniorhynchus (A.T.), Culex quinquefasciatus (C.Q.), and Aedes         aegypti (A.A.).                                                               5   A.T. 4th/P Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  93.3 100  --  --   --                                B.t.i. (12 days)                                                              Arosurf MSF + B.t.i. (12 days)                                                                 0.26                                                                              gal 76.7 93.3 100 --   --                                B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 30   43.3 53.3.sup.7                                                                        --   --                                Arosurf MSF + water (1 day)                                                                    5.0 gal 96.7 96.7 100 --   --                                Polymers         2.2 lb  6.7  6.7  6.7 --   --                                Control          --      10   10   10  --   --                 6   C.Q. 3rd   Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  86.7 100  --  --   --                                B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 90   100  --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 6.7  30   33.3                                                                              36.7 43.3                              Polymers         2.2 lb  0    0    0   0    6.7                               Control          --      0    0    0   0    3.3                7   C.Q. 4th   Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  53.3 76.7 80  100  --                          (late)                                                                              B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  63.3 90   93.3                                                                              100  --                                B.t.i. (28 days)                                                              B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 53.3 53.3 53.3                                                                              53.3.sup.7                                                                         --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 13.3 20   53.3                                                                              66.7 --                                Control          --      0    3.3  3.3 3.3  --                 8   C.Q. 4th/P Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  50   100  --  --   --                                B.t.i. (40 days)                                                              Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  63.3 96.7 100 --   --                                B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                Arosurf MSF + B.t.i. (40 days)                                                                 0.26                                                                              gal 60   90   100 --   --                                Arosurf MSF + B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                   0.26                                                                              gal 63.3 100  --  --   --                                B.t.i. + water (1 day)                                                                         5.0 gal 33.3 33.3.sup.8                                                                         --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 20   40   76.7                                                                              100  --                                Control          --      0    0    3.3 6.7  --                 9   A.A. 4th   Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  93.3 100  --  --   --                          (late)                                                                              B.t.i. (1 day)                                                                Polymers + Arosurf MSF +                                                                       4.4 lb  86.7 100  --  --   --                                B.t.i. (28 days)                                                              B.t.i. + water   5.0 gal 73.3 73.3.sup.9                                                                         --  --   --                                Arosurf MSF      0.26                                                                              gal 0    0    --  --   --                                Control          --      0    0    --  --   --                 __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158k used in all tests. B.t.i. used in tests nos. 1      and 6 was Teknar HPD (1200 ITU per milligram) while tests 2, 7, and 8 wer     conducted with Teknar ® (600 ITU per milligram); Zoecon Corporation,      Dallas, Texas 75234. Tests 3, 4, and 5 were conducted with Bactimos ®     primary powder (7000 ITU per milligram); Biochem Products, Montchanin,        Delaware 19710.                                                               .sup.2 A.T. tests nos. 1 and 2 conducted in 12.5% seawater while A.T.         tests nos. 3, 4, and 5 were conducted in 100% seawater. C.Q. tests nos. 6     and 8 conducted in R.O. water and C.Q. no. 7 was conducted in effluent        collected from a sewage treatment system. A.A. test no. 9 conducted in        R.O. water.                                                                   .sup.3 B.t.i. in tests nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 applied at a rate of 0.5        pt/acre. B.t.i. in tests nos. 3 and 4 applied at a rate of 0.0625 kg/ha       while test no 5 was applied at a rate of 0.03125 kg/ha.                       .sup.4 Arosurf MSF in polymerbase and B.t.i. formulations applied at a        rate of ca. 0.23 gal/acre.                                                    .sup.5 30% adult escapees.                                                    .sup.6 36.7% adult escapees.                                                  .sup.7 46.7% adult escapees.                                                  .sup.8 66.7% adult escapees.                                                  .sup.9 26.7% adult escapees.                                                  .sup.10 Test terminated at highest mortality shown.                      

The data in Table VI indicates that the superabsorbent polymer(s)impregnated with Arosurf® MSF had long term storage stability. Storagestability is also indicated with joint action formulations (TablesIV-VI). In general, mosquito-controlling efficacy of new and oldformulations was comparable.

                                      TABLE VII                                   __________________________________________________________________________                                          Cumulative percentage mortality of                                            larvae,                                                               Application                                                                           pupae, and/or emerging adults at                                              indicated                               Run Larval            Formulation                                                                           rate per                                                                              posttreatment time period                                                     (days).sup.5                            no. instar                                                                            Formulation   age     surface acre                                                                          1   2    3   4   5   6                  __________________________________________________________________________    Effect of storage on efficacy of formulations of superabsorbent               polymer-base                                                                  Arosurf ® MSF against larvae of Aedes taeniorhynchus..sup.1               1   3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  4.4 lb  36.7                                                                              86.7 90  93.3                                                                              100 --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  6.6 lb  40  96.7 96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100                        Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      7   days                                                                              4.4 lb  53.3                                                                              93.3 93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      7   days                                                                              6.6 lb  83.3                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Control       --      --      0   0    3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3                2   2nd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  4.4 lb  6.7 53.3 80  96.7                                                                              100 --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  6.6 lb  13.3                                                                              86.7 96.7                                                                              100 --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      35  days                                                                              4.4 lb  16.7                                                                              80   96.7                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      35  days                                                                              6.6 lb  13.3                                                                              80   93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                         Control       --      --      0   0    6.7 13.3                                                                              13.3                                                                              --                 3   3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  4.4 lb  66.7                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  6.6 lb  63.3                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  8.8 lb.sup.4                                                                          73.3                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      62  days                                                                              4.4 lb  26.7                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      62  days                                                                              6.6 lb  63.3                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      62  days                                                                              8.8 lb  73.3                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Control       --      --      3.3 3.3  --  --  --  --                 4   3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  4.4 lb  26.7                                                                              63.3 100 --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      77  days                                                                              4.4 lb  23.3                                                                              53.3 100 --  --  --                         Control       --      --      3.3 3.3  3.3 --  --  --                 5   4th Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  6.6 lb  73.3                                                                              90   93.3                                                                              96.7                                                                              100 --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      110 days                                                                              6.6 lb  86.7                                                                              100  --  --  --  --                         Control       --      --      0   0    0   0   0   --                 Effect of storage on efficacy of formulations of polymer-base                 Arosurf ® MSF against larvae of Aedes taeniorhynchus.                     6   3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  6.6 lb  30  86.7 100 --  --  --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      124 days                                                                              6.6 lb  26.7                                                                              90   100 --  --  --                         Control       --      --      0   3.3  3.3 --  --  --                 7   3rd Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      1   hr  6.6 lb  0   50   90  96.7                                                                              100 --                         Polymers + Arosurf MSF                                                                      130 days                                                                              6.6 lb  13.3                                                                              56.7 100 --  --  --                         Control       --      --      0   3.3  6.7 --  --  --                 __________________________________________________________________________     .sup.1 Starch, acrylonitrile copolymer (Super Sorb) used in all tests.        Arosurf MSF lot no. 4158K used in all tests. All bioassys conducted in        12.5% artificial seawater.                                                    .sup.2 1:1 ratio of Polymers to Arosurf MSF with Arosurf MSF application      rate of 0.23 gal/acre.                                                        .sup.3 1:1 ratio of Polymers to Arosurf MSF with Arosurf MSF application      rate of 0.35 gal/acre.                                                        .sup.4 1:1 ratio of Polymers to Arosurf MSF with Arosurf MSF application      rate of 0.46 gal/acre.                                                        .sup.5 Tests terminated at highest mortality shown.                      

Powdered, encapsulated, pelletized, or briqueted formulations ofnonimpregnated superabsorbent polymers can be introduced into the wellsof abandoned tires, tree holes, bromeliads, cans, birdbaths, or othersmall natural or artificial water-holding receptacles against certainAedes, Culex, and Wyeomyia mosquitoes when they are dry, forpretreatment, or when full of collected rain water, and contain eggs,larvae and pupae. This application will prevent egg hatching andbreeding for prolonged periods, or physically kill mosquitoes in theirlarval or pupal stages simply by gelling the water that is necessary forimmature development. Both quick and extended control of immaturemosquitoes are expected to result from this physical control technique,and the use of various gel formulations are noted herein. It should alsobe noted that the superabsorbent polymers used in these applications mayalso be impregnated with any number of insecticidal agents as describedherein.

EXAMPLE VIII

The superabsorbent polymers useful in the practice of this invention aregenerally in powdered, flaked or extruded form. The powderedsuperabsorbent polymers can be formed into a solidified elastic-likematrix without the use of a film-forming, or other insecticidal agentand without the use of conventional agglomeration equipment ortechniques. One gram of unimpregnated water Lock® Superabsorbent PolymerG-100 was spread thinly over the bottom of a standard weighing boat andwas allowed to be exposed to the air in an air conditioned room (70°-75°F.) for 24 hours. Observation showed that the powdered superabsorbentpolymer had bonded into a unified elastic-like matrix that could bemolded into a variety of shapes. The material was hand agglomerated intoa ball and added to 250 ml of water. This material was observed to swelland gel the water in a manner similar to the un-unified powderedsuperabsorbent polymer; however, at a slower rate. Variation in thistechnique could effect slow or controlled water gelling and/or releaseof impregnated active ingredients, and thereby control the action of thesuperabsorbent polymer in controlling a population of aquaticenvironment insects. The release rate may be further modified bycompaction variations in the types of superabsorbent polymers mixed,etc.

EXAMPLE IX

Pre-gelled formulations of superabsorbent polymer and film-forming orother insecticidal agents can be produced in the manner described above,with the addition of various concentrations of water. By varying therelative amounts of powdered superabsorbent polymers and water addedthereto, various matrix (gel) consistencies were achieved. Initial testsindicate that different rates of release of Arosurf® MSF could beachieved in this manner. In addition, other insecticidal ingredients canalso be incorporated into the gel. These compositions may additionallybe compacted, etc. to further modify the release rate.

EXAMPLE X

Additional tests indicate that powdered superabsorbent polymers orpowdered superabsorbent polymers impregnated with film-forming/surfaceactive agents and/or other conventional pesticides, ovicides,larvicides, pupicides, biological control agents, microbial controlagents, pathogens, parasites, insect growth regulators and/or otherinsecticidal agents can be packaged or encapsulated within nontoxic andbiodegradable 1.5 to 3 mil polyvinyl alcohol-base, or polyethyleneoxide-base, or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-base, water solublepouches for direct introduction into aquatic habitats for the control ofa population of immature, aquatic insects. Tests with 2×2 inch and 3×4inch pouches of polyvinyl alcohol filled with 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 SuperSorb and Arosurf® MSF mixtures showed that the bags would float anddifferentially solubilize when thrown into water, thereby releasing thesuperabsorbent polymer and various concentrations of mosquitocidalfilm-forming agent at different rates. The mil thickness of the poucheswas observed to affect the rate of water solubility and the storagestability of the pouches. Surprisingly, tests further indicated thatpolyvinyl alcohol bags filled with the 1:1 mixture dissolved at a slowerrate than polyvinyl alcohol bags without the presence of thesematerials. Certain film-forming/surface active agents, when in contactwith the pouch, may retard the rate of solubilization of the pouch whenplaced in water. Therefore, variations of the pouch thickness, rate ofsolubilization, and hence release of the superabsorbent polymer with orwithout insecticidal agent, can be achieved. The insecticidal deliverycompound may additionally be compacted, etc. to further modify therelease rate.

EXAMPLE XI

Powdered or flaked superabsorbent polymers and formulations whichinclude insecticidal agents can be formed into a variety of shapes andsizes by standard agglomeration techniques.

Agglomeration is a term used to describe a process whereby minuteparticles composed of dust, powders, mineral or chemical fines, etc. areincreased in size by combining them. This process, the conversion ofsolid fines to larger, more manageable shapes, is called agglomeration.Other similar particulate matter may require size enlargement to make itmore saleable or to improve its physical properties and performance. Thesame processes are employed, and this, too, is agglomeration. The threegeneral categories of agglomeration include agitation or pelletizing(balling devices, disc pelletizers, drums and cones and some types ofmixers), compaction or compression (briquetting, compacting, tabletingand extrusion), and heat treatment (sintering, as with powdered metals),nodulizing and the production of granules from molten material. Forinstance, a turbulator as described in (brochure FT306 11/84-827084-2M CFT 1984, entitled "The Solution for Material Processing Problems andPollution Control", from Ferro-Tech Systems, "The Solution For MaterialProcessing Problems and Pest Control", Turbulator--a type of blending ormixing apparatus) mixture of powdered Super Sorb and Arosurf® MSF (800g:1000 g) was formulated into 1/16 inch granules on a disc pelletizer.These granules were shown to exhibit the ability to control populationsof immature mosquitoes with efficacy comparable to non-agglomeratedformulations (Table III); however, at a lower total bulk applicationrate. 1/8 inch granules (pellets) were also produced in the same manner.The addition of a binder such as water, clay, cetyl or stearyl alcohols,etc. may be used in the formulation to make harder granules and/or toenhance their ability to float or sink. These granules may additionallybe compacted into a variety of shapes, etc. with a resulting change inthe rate of insecticidal agent delivery.

EXAMPLE XII

Nonconventional agglomeration techniques can be used to produce solidunified matrices from powdered superabsorbent polymers andsuperabsorbent polymers/insecticidal agent formulations. A 1:1 mixtureof Super Sorb or Water Lock® G-100 and Arosurf® MSF or sorbitanmonooleate were hand compacted into standard rectangular plastic tissueembedding molds. The mixtures were allowed to sit for 24-48 hours underfluctuating air temperatures and humidity conditions (ca. 70°-83° F.;ca. 50-80%RH). Results showed that the temperature/humidity fluctuationsproduced hard briquet-like matrices in the shape of the molds. Thistechnique was also used to produce a briquet from mixtures of WaterLock® G-100 or Super Sorb and Arosurf® MSF and Bactimos® Primary Powder(Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis).

EXAMPLE XIII

In one test, 2.0 g Water Lock® G-100 superabsorbent polymer, 0.1 gMorwet® EFW surfactant powder, and 0.5 g B.t.i. (Bactimos® PrimaryPowder) were mixed together in a 50 ml beaker and allowed to standexposed to 80° F./80% RH (Ambient) for about 24 hours. Theseenvironmental conditions caused the three ingredients (total 2.6 g) tobind together (cross-link) into a single elastic-like matrix.

This cookie-like material was introduced into an 8.5×11 inch pancontaining water and several hundred 2nd-4th instar larvae of Cx.quinquefasciatus. The surface of the water was lightly dusted with talcto observe the spreading potential of the powdered surfactant.

The matrix was observed to float on introduction to the water and pushand compact the talc to the opposite end of the pan, and then begin totypically swell and release the B.t.i. and surfactant as it slowlyabsorbed water. One hundred percent of the larvae were killed in 5 hourspost-treatment indicating the use of powdered surfactants in theformulation of superabsorbent polymers and B.t.i., or B. sphaericus,etc. for self-spreading, quick and/or slow release mosquito controlapplications.

EXAMPLE XIV

Powdered Super Sorb superabsorbent polymer impregnated with Arosurf® MSFwas tightly compacted into a plastic test tube which was open at oneend. The tube containing the insecticidal delivery agent was observed tofloat on the water and slowly release the active film-forming/polymermaterials for a period of approximately 10 days. The equivalent amountof loosely packed material released the entire contents of the tubewithin 24 hours. The presence or persistence of Arosurf® MSF or thesurface of the water was monitored with Adol® indicator oil. Thus,release rates can be varied by modifying the degree of compaction and/orthe size of the release orifice. Standard compaction techniques may beused (possibly with addition of a binding agent) to produceself-contained polymer or pellets that have significant slow orcontrolled release abilities.

EXAMPLE XV

As noted earlier, powdered superabsorbent polymers have the ability toreform or contract and then re-gel. In one test, one gram of powderedSuper Sorb® or Water Lock® G-100 that had absorbed (gelled) 250 ml ofwater in a beaker, was allowed to stand at room temperature (70°-75°F.), in a room for several days until the absorbed water had evaporated.The powdered matrix returned to a semi-original congealed form. 250 mlof water was then re-administered to the beaker. The polymer wasobserved to gel in a manner similar to the original absorption. Thisprocess was repeated five additional times with similar results. Acomparable test was conducted on a 1:1 mixture of Super Sorb andArosurf® MSF with similar results.

EXAMPLE XVI

The water-superabsorbent characteristics of superabsorbent polymers areuseful to effect a physical (non-toxic) method for controlling certainpopulations of nuisance and/or disease carrying mosquitoes (e.g. Aedesaegypti and Ae. albopictus) that mainly breed in small rainwatercollecting receptacles (e.g. abandoned tires, planters, tree holes,etc.). Water Lock® G-100 (non-impregnated) was placed in a 400 ml glassbeaker containing 100-200 eggs of Aedes aegypti (3 replications/polymertype). Controls containing no superabsorbent polymer were used tomonitor the validity of the example. 250 ml of water was then added tothe beakers to induce eclosion.

Results showed that water introduced into the beakers containing WaterLock® G-100 would instantly gel, thereby producing a non-aquaticenvironment that was unsuitable for egg hatching and larval development.Eggs in beakers containing no superabsorbent polymer produced normallarvae. Similar results were obtained using Super Sorb.

EXAMPLE XVII

One gram of powdered Super Sorb or Water Lock® G-100 superabsorbentpolymer (non-impregnated) was added to beakers containing 250 ml ofwater and ten 2nd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The larvae wereinstantly gelled within the formed matrix and subsequently died. Thisexample was repeated using 2nd to 4th instar larvae and pupae of Culexquinquefasciatus with similar results.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of thepresent invention have been described in the foregoing specification.The invention which is intended to be protected herein, however, is notto be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, sincethese are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:
 1. A method for controlling a population of aquaticenvironment insects, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing aninsecticidal delivery composition comprising at least one superabsorbentsolid organic polymer selected from the group consisting of hydrophilicacrylamide and hydrophilic acrylate polymers and mixtures thereof whichabsorb over 100 times their weight in water and said composition beingfree of insecticidal agents other than said superabsorbent polymer; (b)choosing an environment area needing aquatic environment insect controltreatment; and (c) applying said insecticidal delivery composition in anamount effective to control the population of aquatic environmentinsects, to said aquatic environment area needing aquatic environmentinsect control treatment.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidsuperabsorbent polymer is selected from the group consisting of: anacrylamide sodium acrylate copolymer; a hydrolyzedstarch-polyacrylonitrile; a hydrolyzed 2-propenenitrile homopolymer,sodium salt; poly (acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate);starch-g-poly(acrylonitrile); starch-g-poly(acrylamide-co-sodiumacrylate); a starch, acrylonitrile copolymer; poly-2-propenoic acid,sodium salt; poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), sodium salt;starch-g-poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), potassium salt;starch-g-poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid);starch-g-poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), sodium salt; andmixtures thereof.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said superabsorbentpolymer comprises a starch graft copolymer or terpolymer.
 4. The methodof claim 3, further comprising, prior to applying to said aquaticenvironment area, adding to said insecticidal delivery composition atleast one additional compound selected from the group consisting oftoxicants and biological control agents.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising, prior to applying to said aquatic environment area,agglomerating said superabsorbent polymer to produce a shaped solidinsecticidal delivery composition, wherein said shaped composition is inthe form of granules, pellets, or briquets.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said area needing aquatic environment insect control treatmentis an aquatic environment or a preaquatic environment that will needaquatic environment insect control, and wherein prior to application thecomposition is placed within a container having walls made ofwater-soluble material.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saidinsecticidal delivery composition has a variable release rate.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said release rate is modified by at least onemethod selected from the group consisting of varying the degree to whichsaid insecticidal delivery composition is compacted under pressure;combining two or more superabsorbent polymers at different ratios;varying a size of an orifice in a container containing said insecticidaldelivery composition; varying the concentration of surface active agentor diluent; and adding a binding agent.
 9. The method of claim 4,wherein the toxicants are pesticides.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinthe pesticides are selected from the group consisting of ovicides,larvicides and pupicides.
 11. The method of claim 4, wherein thebiological control agents are selected from the group consisting ofmicrobial control agents; pathogens; parasites; and insect growthregulators.
 12. A method for controlling a population of aquaticenvironment insects, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing aninsecticidal delivery composition comprising at least one superabsorbentsolid organic polymer selected from the group consisting of hydrophilicacrylamide and hydrophilic acrylate polymers and mixtures thereof whichabsorb over 100 times their weight in water; (b) choosing an environmentarea needing aquatic environment insect control treatment, said aquaticenvironment area being selected from the group consisting of bird baths,cans, tires, bromeliads, fields, yards, pastures, pot holes, saltmarshes, ditches, woods, lakes, streams, rivers, bays and ponds; and (c)applying said insecticidal delivery composition in an amount effectiveto control the population of aquatic environment insects, to saidaquatic environment area needing aquatic environment insect controltreatment.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, prior toapplying to said aquatic environment area, adding to said insecticidaldelivery composition at least one insecticidal agent other than saidsuperabsorbent polymer.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein saidsuperabsorbent polymer is selected from the group consisting of: anacrylamide sodium acrylate copolymer; a hydrolyzedstarch-polyacrylonitrile; a hydrolyzed 2-propenenitrile homopolymer,sodium salt; poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate);starch-g-poly(acrylonitrile); starch-g-poly(acrylamide-co-sodiumacrylate); a starch, acrylonitrile copolymer; poly-2-propenoic acid,sodium salt; poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), sodium salt;starch-g-poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), potassium salt;starch-g-poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid);starch-g-poly(2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid), sodium salt; andmixtures thereof.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said insecticidalagent comprises at least one film-forming agent, and wherein saidsuperabsorbent polymer comprises a starch graft copolymer or terpolymer.16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, prior to applying tosaid aquatic environment area, adding to said insecticidal deliverycomposition at least one additional compound selected from the groupconsisting of toxicants and biological control agents.
 17. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising, prior to applying to said aquaticenvironment area, agglomerating said superabsorbent polymer and saidinsecticidal agent to produce a shaped solid insecticidal deliverycomposition, wherein said shaped composition is in the form of granules,pellets, or briquets.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein said areaneeding aquatic environment insect control treatment is an aquaticenvironment or a preaquatic environment that will need aquaticenvironment insect control, and wherein prior to application thecomposition is placed within a container having walls made ofwater-soluble material.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein saidinsecticidal delivery composition has a variable release rate.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein said release rate is modified by at leastone method selected from the group consisting of varying the degree towhich said insecticidal delivery composition is compacted underpressure; combining two or more superabsorbent polymers at differentratios; varying a size of an orifice in a container containing saidinsecticidal delivery composition; varying the concentration offilm-forming agent, surface active agent, or diluent; and adding of abinding agent.